Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Cullinane for raising this issue again. I acknowledge he has raised it frequently. I would make the point that when we have worked together, across parties in this House, on issues relating to Waterford and the rest of the south east, including the university in recent years, we have managed to make progress together. This is a similar issue. Genuinely across the House, there is support for what is requested. The programme for Government commits to working with all stakeholders to quickly progress the Waterford Airport project to lengthen and widen the runway, building on the commitment decision of 2019. That I believe, is the wording in the programme for Government. In line with that commitment, I have spoken to the Minister for Transport, Deputy O’Brien, and I am aware that he is engaging with local representatives, including Deputy Cullinane, on the next steps. I want to be clear that I am fully committed to advancing this project in line with the programme for Government commitment.

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